Château Ausone is the smallest of Bordeaux's 'big eight' (first growths), and its location is as spectacular as its wines; perched  on the limestone hillsides that harbour the walled town of Saint-Émilion. Production at Ausone is tiny.
Ausone has been under the inspirational Alain Vauthier since 1995, who has spared no expense in establishing benchmark Saint-Émilion that often ages for 50-100 years. A new cellar (retaining old oak vats) and renovation of the château has breathed new life into Ausone.
Although the château was built in the 19th century, the site shows evidence of the roman activity, which gives the wine its name, commemorating the 4th Century poet Ausonius. Ausone's recent history begins in 1718 with the Cantenat family, who passed it on to Mlle Challon, whose husband, Edouard Dubois, is credited with Ausone's rise in the 20th century.
Dubois-Challon's son Jean inherited Ausone post WWII, during a lean period in quality, and it wasn’t until his widow took over in 1974 that Ausone improved. Mme Dubois-Challon shared ownership with the children of her stepdaughter Cecile and the Vauthier family, before relinquishing control to Alain Vauthier and his sister. Michel Rolland is consultant. |
